Close to the town of Vík in the South of Iceland Reynisdrangar rise up from the Atlantic Ocean about 66m (217ft) in the air and they can be seen from both the black sand beach in Vík and from the black pebble beach Reynisfjara. Reynisdrangar are beautifully formed basalt sea stacks and a nesting place for many seabirds like the Arctic terns, fulmars and puffins. 

In the olden days, winter nights in Iceland were sometimes long and dark so Icelanders used to tell each other stories about trolls, elves, ghosts and spirits to make those nights shorter and brighter. One of these stories is about two trolls who were dragging a three-masted ship to the shore, just outside of Reynisfjara, but failed when they were hit by the sunlight at dawn. According to the folk legend when trolls are hit by the sunlight they turn into stone. Believe it or not but the trolls are still there, now known as Reynisdrangar and make a perfect scenery for photography and a place worth visiting.

Directions

From Reykjavik drive on Ring Road nr. 1 heading east for about 2 and half hours. Reynisdrangar can be seen from either the black sand beach Reynisfjara (Road nr 215) or from the black sand beach in the town Vík.

Note: Do not park or stop the car on the main road! Be careful when turning of the main road, slow down in time and give indicators.
Read more about Driving in Iceland.

Stay Safe

Keep in mind that even though the scenery from either the beach in Vík or Reynisfjara is very beautiful the nature is unpredictable and even though the waves might seem innocent they can be highly dangerous especially when the winds are strong and the tide is high. Please read the warning signs before entering the beaches and be extra careful as fatal accidents have happened there before.

Sunset at Reynisfjara black sand beach in South Iceland
Reynisdrangar in Reynisfjara black sand beach in South Iceland
The beautiful basalt formation at Reynisfjara black sand beach in Iceland
Reynisdrangar at Reynisfjara in South Iceland
Sunset at Reynisfjara black sand beach in South Iceland
Reynisdrangar in Reynisfjara black sand beach in South Iceland
The beautiful basalt formation at Reynisfjara black sand beach in Iceland
Reynisdrangar at Reynisfjara in South Iceland

Sunset at Reynisfjara black sand beach in South Iceland

Reynisdrangar in Reynisfjara black sand beach in South Iceland

The beautiful basalt formation at Reynisfjara black sand beach in Iceland

Reynisdrangar at Reynisfjara in South Iceland